Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Second Edition. Edited by Chris Zink and Janet B. Van Dyke.
© 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Published 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Veterinary Orthotics

11 and Prosthetics

Summary

The use of veterinary orthotic and prosthetic (V‐OP) devices is a rapidly emerging,

therapeutic strategy. Just as veterinary medicine has evolved to include advanced den­

tistry, joint replacements, chemotherapy, and stereotactic radiation, it is in turn evolving

toward the application of advanced biomechanics and technology for the treatment of

limb loss and loss of limb function. Knowledge of the components of normal quadruped

gait guides treatment of pathomechanical deficiencies. Quadrupeds who suffer loss of

limb function or a loss of limb are biomechanically distinct from bipeds with similar

loss. An orthosis is any medical device attached to the body to support, align, position,

prevent or correct deformity, assist weak muscles, or improve function (Deshales,

2002). These devices provide protected motion within a controlled range, prevent or

reduce severity of injury, prevent or relieve contracture, allow lax ligaments and joint

capsules to shorten and approach normal distensibilty, and provide functional stability

for an unstable limb segment. Prosthetic limbs provide the opportunity to return quad­

ripedal motion by replacing a limb segment.

Use of V‐OP devices requires the proper application of biomechanical concepts not

previously considered in veterinary medicine; these include three‐point correction

and force coupling. Further, design of these devices requires a thorough understanding

of quadripedal locomotion and veterinary patients previously not considered in the

human orthotics and prosthetics (H‐OP) industry. Thus V‐OP requires a unified effort

between veterinary professionals and device fabricators. Proper case management

includes thorough examination for clarification of the movement disorder, complete

diagnosis including primary and secondary deficiencies, veterinary prescription,

device fabrication, device fitting and adjustment, client education, and veterinary

follow‐up for continued care. With this approach, veterinary patients, in particular the

canine ones, are good candidates for these devices.

Patrice M. Mich, DVM, MS, DABVP, DACVAA, DACVSMR, CCRT,

and Martin Kaufmann, C‐Ped, BSBA